Diahann Carroll – Diva of Effortless Style

As my “Innovators of Timeless Style” series continues, today I’ll be focusing on Diahann Carroll.

Diahann Carroll on Fashion: “My fashion life exists mainly through work, so I dress to be event appropriate. I see clothes as a performance”. From the May 2011 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

Fabulous, Elegant, Glamorous, Legendary and most of all, a Diva. Those are just a few of the words I would use to describe this strong, intelligent and beautiful woman. The word “Diva” is used to describe a female performer or personality who is glamorous and very successful. Diahann Carroll clearly takes on the true meaning of this term as not only a singer, but as an actress, dancer and former model as well. She just does it all! Oh! And did I neglect to mention that she’s a cancer survivor?

As the first African American women to ever receive a Tony Award (No Strings) and to have a starring role in a television series (Julia), Diahann Carroll serves as a consistent trailblazer for upcoming African American talent. Her sophisticated and elegant style can easily be characterized as “effortless”, while her sassy on-screen persona as Dominque Deveraux in the hit television series Dynasty, deemed her the only actress worthy of going head to head with Alexis Carrington (played by Joan Collins).

To achieve Diahann Carroll’s style, which is no easy feat, you have to be a Diva in every sense of the word. Her chosen style selections include sophisticated (and expensive) skirt and pants suits woven from the finest silk, designed by heavy hitters like Givenchy, Chanel and Dior, full length gowns covered in lace and adorned with sequins, followed by perfectly coifed and full hair (literally no strands ever out of place), topped off with statement jewelry and very well manicured nails. Here’s a peek at some of her style highlights:

The look on her face in the last photo speaks for itself. This woman is a true Diva of Effortless Style!